Cape Town — Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has expressed his disappointment that the internal disciplinary process against the VIP police officers has not yet been processed.
In July last year, eight police officers part of Deputy President, Paul Mashatile’s blue light convoy, were caught on camera assaulting civilians who they had forced of the right, allegedly for failing to adhere to the orders to move out of the convoy’s way, EWN reported
South African Police Services (SAPS) had assured Parliament that its disciplinary process against the “blue light bullies” would continue independently of the criminal charges the eight men faced.
According to The Citizen, the eight accused officers – Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesibana Aggrie Rambau and Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada. – are currently on trial for assault and pointing firearms at the complainants.
The officers also accused the driver of the car of being a threat to Mashatile, and they pointed guns thinking they were a threat to Mashatile. The deputy president has insisted that he was not on the scene at the time of the assault.
In a statement on X, Cameron said he was disappointed that SAPS had not yet concluded the internal disciplinary process and said the fact that it has taken so long to conclude the matter has undermined SAPS’ credibility.
He said the slow process was unwarranted and he is concerned, too, that the implicated members remain employed, even though only on desk duty. The delay has reinforced the perception of impunity and police brutality within SAPS.
“The 2016 disciplinary regulations are clear that internal disciplinary actions should proceed regardless of ongoing court cases. Furthermore, the disciplinary regulations make provision for an expedited disciplinary process, and it is unclear why the SAPS are disregarding their regulations,” Mr Cameron said.
The Chairperson has, on behalf of the committee, officially enquired about why these members are still in SAPS and why the disciplinary action has not yet been completed.
*MEDIA STATEMENT: ONE YEAR ON AND INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY PROCESS AGAINST VIP SAPS MEMBERS WHO ASSAULTED CIVILIAN HAS NOT PROGRESSED*
Parliament, Thursday, 8 August 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, is disappointed that the South African… pic.twitter.com/Jb8RHRKelC
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) August 8, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
